Born: March 31, 1621, in Winestead, Yorkshire, England
Died: August 16, 1678, in London, England
Andrew Marvell was the son of Reverend Andrew Marvell, an Anglican clergyman. His father was also a lecturer at the Holy Trinity Church and later the master of the Hull Grammar School. Young Marvell was educated at Hull before entering Trinity College at Cambridge in 1633.
He began to write satire while attending University. After graduating in 1638, Marvell remained at Cambridge as a fellow. He was influenced at this time by Roman Catholics who protested against the existing religious environment.
In 1641, Marvell's father died. Andrew used his inheritance to tour Europe. At this point England was on the verge of a civil war and when Marvell returned he took the side of Cromwell.
From 1650 to 1652 Andrew Marvell was at tutor for Lord Fairfax and it was during this period that his best poetry emerged. To His Coy Mistress, for example, showcases his aptitude for examining the complex, delicate, and beautiful in minute detail. He next tutored for William Dutton, the ward of Cromwell.
Before working for John Milton as his assistant from 1657 to 1659, Marvell served as a diplomat to Russia, Sweden, and Denmark. With the Restoration and coronation of King Charles II he was a member of parliament until he died from a drug overdose. Miscellaneous Poems by Andrew Marvell Esquire was published posthumously in 1881.
In Marvell's later years his political opinions often conflicted with those of the monarch. In his best known satire, Last Instructions to A Painter, he scorned those who interfere in the affairs of the state.